Foursquare partners with Nasa to create space badge

The social check-in service teamed up with US space agency to allow International Space Station Commander Doug Wheelock “check-in” from his location, which happens to be 200 miles above the Earth’s surface.

The astronaut used Foursquare mobile we’re told (what else?) and unlocked a badge made for the occasion that others will find difficult to acquire.

“You are now 220 miles above Earth travelling at 17,500 mph and unlocked the NASA Explorer Badge!,” says the message Wheelock is said to have received. “Show this badge and get a free scoop of astronaut ice cream.”

No word on how many more check-ins Wheelock must rack up before he becomes the Mayor of Low Earth Orbit.

It’s totally contrived, of course, and that almost makes it more fun. But in the grand scheme of things it’s safe to say that Foursquare needs Nasa more than Nasa needs Foursquare. So this is a big little deal for the start-up which has been ramping up its associations with businesses and brands to create incentives that will give people a little more reason than cool factor to keep sharing precise locations without asking a lot of questions, like “Why?” and “What’s in it for me?”

The first check in from space is a nice boost, and CEO and co-founder Dennis Crowley seemed suitably ecstatic. “Check-ins from around the world have been cool, but this blew my mind!” he said in a press release. “We’re psyched to partner with Nasa to help users explore the space program and the universe.”

That may be just a few years off, of course. Crowley would be wise to get in touch with Richard Branson, another businessman who knows a bit about showmanship, to make sure the first wave of Virgin Galactic space tourists are on board when that first commercial flight lifts off in an expected 18 months.

Back here on earth the full power of Foursquare will be upon us when you can announce your presence by checking in, are then greeted by name by a maitre d’ who has never met you and are whisked away to a table where a martini (or the poison of your choice) is waiting for you.